The Effects of Stress on Neuropsychological Tests of Attention and Memory
Abstract
This research examined whether the presence of a stressor affected performance on neuropsychological tests of attention and memory, and whether a distraction could ameliorate these potential effects. Distraction has previously been shown to reduce perceptions of tension and pain. It was hypothesized that acute stress would negatively affect performance, but that distraction would lessen these effects. These hypotheses were explored by crossing the presence of a stressor (combat surgery film/nature film) with the presence of a distraction (written essay/no essay). Seventy two subjects participated in one ninety minute session. Subjects blood pressure and heart rate were automatically monitored every three to five minutes throughout the session. Subjects filled out background information, mood, distraction, life events and perceived stress inventories, and a battery of neuropsychological tes ts before the film. Subjects then either remained quiet, or were administered the essay distraction manipulation for 15 minutes following the film. Subjects were then administered the final battery of neuropsychological tests, and mood and distraction questionnaires. Results did not support the stress hypothesis, but because results of the stress manipulation were equivocal, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. One neuropsychological test showed a significant difference, but in the opposite direction predicted: number of errors on the Trails B Test, an attention test, were slightly higher in the no stress-no distraction condition than in the stress-no distraction condition. The distraction hypothesis was not supported by this research, but because of the unclear results of the stress manipulation, further research is necessary. Perceived stress did not affect performance on the tests, and life events affected these tests in an unexpectedly positive fashion: more life events was associated with better performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 1993
- Accession Number
- AD1011281
Entities
People
- Sarah N. Kendall
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences